Former Queenswood Music and Drama Scholar Eleanor Grant saved the day at a world premiere of The English Patient Live at the Royal Albert Hall on Thursday 18 October. When soloist Márta Sebestyén withdrew at the last minute due to illness, Eleanor calmly stepped up to perform all vocal parts, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, in front of a sell-out audience of thousands. Eleanor is currently studying double bass on a full scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music. This special screening of the 1996 movie was accompanied by a live in-sync performance of the Oscar-winning soundtrack. The composer, Gabriel Yared, was extremely complimentary about Eleanor’s impeccable performance. Queenswood’s Director of Music, Jonathan Dobson, was very proud of Eleanor’s achievement. ‘Eleanor is an extraordinary musician – without doubt the best I have taught in my career. To be able to take on such a huge role at such short notice shows incredible self-confidence and maturity.’ Photo credits: Royal Albert Hall image: copyright Ed Kalnins Headshots: copyright Mark Davies